Rapid drop motion is observed on superhydrophobic surfaces during
condensation; condensate drops with diameter of order 10~$\mu $m
can move at
above 100G and 0.1 m/s. When water vapor condenses on a horizontal
superhydrophobic surface, condensate drops move in a seemingly
random
direction. The observed motion is attributed to the energy
released through
coalescence of neighboring condensate drops. A scaling analysis
captured the
initial acceleration and terminal velocity. Our work is a step
forward in
understanding the dynamics of superhydrophobic condensation
occurring in
both natural water-repellant plants and engineered dropwise
condensers.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.DFD.EG.5